Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson has signed up to appear in panto Aladdin.

Anderson, 42, will play the Genie of the Lamp for two weeks this Christmas at London's New Wimbledon Theatre. Brian Blessed will appear alongside the ex-Playboy model as villain Abanazar.

Channel 4 chatshow host Paul O'Grady will take over as the Genie for the final week of the production, while two further actors will appear in the role during the first and final weeks of December.

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"I am really excited to be back in panto this year having not done one for some time," O'Grady told PA. "This is also the first time I'll be playing a goodie as I've been the villain in most of my other stage roles. Having made a living frightening children it's probably time I aired my softer side. If I can find one in time."